Zuma vows better service delivery at Human Rights Day address

"As we mark 20 years of freedom and democracy this year, it is an opportunity to celebrate all the achievements that South Africans have scored in all walks of life, working together," he said to the thousands of ANC supporters gathered at the George Thabe Cricket Pitch in Sharpeville, Gauteng.

"We now live in a thriving constitutional democracy with equal citizenship for all and a respect for human rights and dignity," he said.

Zuma commemorated the lives lost in Sharpeville on March 21 1960, when the police opened fire on thousands of people protesting against unjust apartheid laws, killing 69 people and wounding 180 others.

The day is remembered in South Africa as Human Rights Day and commemorates the Sharpeville massacre.

He said that the 20 years of democracy has "not been easy because the legacy of apartheid is huge and the backlogs are massive".

Zuma said that in the next five years, government would work even harder to improve the quality of life of all South Africans. Every household should have access to water, electricity, decent schools, clinics and an economy that creates jobs.

Public protector Thuli Madonsela released a damning report on Wednesday into state-funded renovations to the president's private homestead, from which she found that Zuma and his family had "unduly benefited".

The ANC was not the only political party speaking at Sharpeville to commemorate Human Rights Day.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) were also present.

Earlier, a group of Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) members blocked the street to the stadium, dancing and singing songs praising their leader, Julius Malema, but soon moved their gathering slightly away from the stadium.

But the DA's Mmusi Maimane said ANC members attacked their convoy en route to the memorial. "We were forced to retreat for safety when the only intention was to complete the wreath-laying," Maimane said.

Unwavering support
Sharpeville was coloured yellow, red and black as the ANC, EFF and the PAC commemorated Human Rights Day in the historical township in Vereeniging, south of Gauteng.

Thirty-year-old Duduzile Skhosana came by bus from Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga to celebrate the day.

He said he was a loyal ANC supporter and would be voting for the party come the general elections on May 7.

"There is still a lot to be done ... I am still going to vote ANC," he said.

"The opposition thinks Zuma is corrupt but as a leader people are always waiting for him to make a mistake but we support him nevertheless."